The Play Sculptures of Jim Miller-Melberg

Robert Vigiletti photograph of precast play sculptures taken in 1962 I recently re-discovered the artist Jim Miller-Melberg while researching public sculpture, art, and play spaces. I say ‘re-discovered,’ because I have been familiar with Jim Miller-Melbergs work for most of my life without even realizing it (for more on that topic, read this). Looking at and reading about his playground and park design work, his ideas resonate with my own. 

Personal experiences with the art of Jim Miller-Melberg

Jim Miller-Melberg is a mid-century sculptor famous for his sculptural concrete playground and park works (more on that topic here). Looking at his work, I realized that I actually have a very personal connection to it: I played on his playground sculptures as a child. My elementary school had several of his pieces as part of our playground, including a turtle and a castle.  Let me give you some background